Participation In Soccer Research Articles

Association of Field Position and Career Length With Risk of Neurodegenerative Disease in Male Former Professional Soccer Players

Neurodegenerative disease mortality is higher among former professional soccer players than general population controls. However, the factors contributing to increased neurodegenerative disease mortality in this population remain uncertain. To investigate the association of field position, professional career length, and playing era with risk of neurodegenerative disease among male former professional soccer players. This cohort study used population-based health record linkage in Scotland to evaluate risk among 7676 male former professional soccer players born between January 1, 1900, and January 1, 1977, and 23 028 general population control individuals matched by year of birth, sex, and area socioeconomic status providing 1 812 722 person-years of follow-up. Scottish Morbidity Record and death certification data were available from January 1, 1981, to December 31, 2016, and prescribing data were available from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2016. Database interrogation was performed on December 10, 2018, and data were analyzed between April 2020 and May 2021. Participation in men's soccer at a professional level. Outcomes were obtained by individual-level record linkage to national electronic records of mental health and general hospital inpatient and day-case admissions as well as prescribing information and death certification. Risk of neurodegenerative disease was evaluated between former professional soccer players and matched general population control individuals. In this cohort study of 30 704 male individuals, 386 of 7676 former soccer players (5.0%) and 366 of 23 028 matched population control individuals (1.6%) were identified with a neurodegenerative disease diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.66; 95% CI, 2.88-4.65; P < .001). Compared with the risk among general population control individuals, risk of neurodegenerative disease was highest for defenders (HR, 4.98; 95% CI, 3.18-7.79; P < .001) and lowest for goalkeepers (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.93-3.60; P = .08). Regarding career length, risk was highest among former soccer players with professional career lengths longer than 15 years (HR, 5.20; 95% CI, 3.17-8.51; P < .001). Regarding playing era, risk remained similar for all players born between 1910 and 1969. The differences in risk of neurodegenerative disease observed in this cohort study imply increased risk with exposure to factors more often associated with nongoalkeeper positions, with no evidence this association has changed over the era studied. While investigations to confirm specific factors contributing to increased risk of neurodegenerative disease among professional soccer players are required, strategies directed toward reducing head impact exposure may be advisable in the meantime.

Evaluating Adult Decision-Making Modifiers in Support of Youth Contact-Sport Participation.

Nearly 44 million youth participate in organized youth sports programs in the United States each year. However, approximately 25% of parents have considered removing their children from sports due to the fear of concussion. To determine which adult decision-making modifiers (eg, gender, educational attainment, career type) influenced support for youth contact-sports participation. Cross-sectional study. Midwestern university and medical center. Convenience sample of staff and faculty (N = 5761; 73.9% female) from 2017 to 2018. Support for youth contact-sports participation using multivariate binary logistic regression to calculate odds ratios and 95% CIs. The sample was split between adults with children (AWCs; n = 3465, age = 45.39 ± 13.27 years, 76.72% female) and adults without children (AWOCs; n = 2296, age = 30.84 ± 9.01 years, 70.26% female). Among AWCs, those who obtained a bachelor's degree or higher were more likely to support contact-sports participation. Females were more inclined to allow all contact sports, specifically football (odds ratio [OR] = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.64, 3.01) and ice hockey (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.42, 2.78). Overall, previous adult sport participation, increasing number of children, and child gender were significant modifying variables in greater support of youth contact-sports participation among AWCs (P < .001). Among AWOCs, previous sport participation in football (OR = 3.27; 95% CI = 2.14, 4.87), ice hockey (OR = 4.26; 95% CI = 2.23, 8.17), or soccer (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.48, 3.54) increased the likelihood of an adult supporting contact-sports participation. Lastly, all adults were less inclined to support a daughter participating in any contact sport than a son. These results reveal adult- and child-specific variables that may influence youth contact-sports participation. These decisions may be developed through the lens of certain gender role beliefs and may lead adults to perceive certain sports as more appropriate for sons than daughters.

Distance and Intensity Profiles in Division I Women's Soccer Matches across a Competitive Season.

Women’s participation in soccer has increased rapidly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological demands imposed on women’s NCAA Division I soccer players across a season according to speed, total distance traveled, and numbers of sprints measured via GPS (Polar Team Pro®). Eighteen athletes (19.2 ± 1.1 years, 50.5 ± 6.5 mL/kg/min and 23.4 ± 3.6% fat) participated in this study. The analysis was obtained through 13 official matches. Speed zones were defined as Zone 1 (1.0 to 5.99 km·h−1), Zone 2 (6.0 to 10.99 km·h−1), Zone 3 (11.0 to 15.49 km·h−1), Zone 4 (15.5 to 19.9 km·h−1) and Zone 5 (sprint > 20 km·h−1), with Zones 4–5 considered as high intensity running. Individual differences in playing time and total distance were highly variable due to substitutions. Average distance traveled per game in quartiles was 3.9 km, 5.6 km and 7.4 km in the 25th, 50th, and 75th quartiles, respectively. Relative to playing time, players travelled an average of 113.64 ± 17.12 m/min (range: 93.7 to 143.5 m/min) and ran one sprint every 4.12 ± 2.06 min. When distance was summated and analyzed for the entire team, significant difference between halves was found for speed Zones 2, 3 and 4, with greater values found in the first half. Total distance, high intensity running and sprint distance were significantly less than previously recorded in professional players. These findings suggest that coaches should consider the unique physiological demands and recovery opportunities present in NCAA play when constructing practices and conditioning programs.

Association of Sex With Adolescent Soccer Concussion Incidence and Characteristics

Because of the negative consequences of concussion, considerable research efforts have been directed toward understanding the risk factors for sport-related concussion (SRC) and its outcomes to better inform strategies for risk reduction. Girls are suggested to have an increased risk of concussion, warranting exploration into sex-dependent variations in concussion presentation and management, with the potential that this information might inform sex-specific rules directed toward risk reduction within sports. To compare sex-associated differences in epidemiology and concussion management in adolescent soccer players within a prospective, longitudinal high school injury surveillance project. This prospective, longitudinal cohort study assessed male and female soccer athletes from all high schools in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) during academic years 2016-2017 to 2018-2019. Sport-related concussion captured in the MHSAA Head Injury Reporting System. Outcomes included details regarding each documented SRC event, including injury mechanism, immediate management, and return-to-play time. Multiple comparisons were made between male and female athletes regarding SRC risk, mechanism, short-term management, and outcomes. A total of 43 741 male and 39 637 female soccer athletes participated in MHSAA soccer during the 3 consecutive academic years of study (2016-2017: n = 751 schools; 2017-2018: n = 750 schools; and 2018-2019: n = 747 schools). During the 3 years of surveillance, 1507 of the 83 378 soccer athletes (1.8%) were reported to have SRC during soccer participation, including 557 boys (37.0%) and 950 girls (63.0%). Documented SRC risk in female soccer participants was greater than in male soccer participants (risk ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.69-2.09; P < .001). Male soccer athletes most often sustained SRC from contact with another player (48.4%), whereas SRCs in female soccer players recorded in the Head Injury Reporting System were most often from nonplayer contact events (41.9%; P < .001). Adolescent male soccer players with a documented SRC were more likely to be removed from play on the day of injury (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.15-2.06; P = .004). Although the overall median time to return to play was 11 days (interquartile range [IQR], 7-15 days), male athletes typically returned 2 days earlier than female athletes (median, 10 [IQR, 7-14] days vs 12 [IQR, 7-16] days; Peto test P < .001). In this cohort study, sex-associated differences were revealed among adolescent soccer athletes in SRC risk, mechanism of injury, immediate management, and outcomes in injuries documented in a statewide injury reporting system. Thus, consideration might be given to sex-specific approaches to participation and concussion management in the sport.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I in a Female Division I Soccer Player: A Level 4 CASE Report

An 18-year-old female, Division I soccer player was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome approximately 2 weeks after tarsal tunnel release surgery. Postsurgically, the patient reported a significant increase in neuropathic pain, swelling, paresthesia, skin temperature asymmetry, and allodynia of the plantar and dorsal aspects of the foot, which were initially attributed to other causes. The intense pain and delayed diagnosis led to a decline in mental health and suicide ideation. Once diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, an epidural was placed at L5/S1 with a continuous flow of lidocaine, resulting in functional restoration. The patient’s diagnosis and recovery were based on the collaborative efforts of the surgeon, sports medicine physician, pain management specialist, and athletic trainer. She returned to soccer participation with minimal symptoms. This case is unique because the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome were attributed to other causes, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This delay resulted in the patient threatening self-harm.

Trends in Soccer-Related Ocular Injuries within the United States from 2010 through 2019

ABSTRACT Purpose Soccer participation within the United States continues to increase, necessitating consideration of the various injuries that may occur. The present study analyzes trends in the incidence of ocular injuries secondary to soccer trauma, the associated mechanism, and related visual sequelae, and quantifies age- and sex-specific differences in the distributions of these variables. Methods The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for soccer-related ocular injuries from 2010 through 2019. Data exclusively focused on the globe were selected, and information regarding age, sex, specific diagnosis, mechanism of injury, and visual sequelae were acquired. Significance was calculated using the chi-squared test. Results 628 NEISS entries were evaluated, extrapolating to a national average incidence of approximately 1580 soccer-related ocular injuries per year. There were a relatively static number of events during the ten-year time period of study. The most common diagnoses were contusions or abrasions (36.1%); among records with a reported mechanism of injury, the most common was contact with the soccer ball (80.9%). Visual sequelae were noted in a significant minority of patients (15.4%). Patients ≤18 and males comprised the majority of visits (68.2% and 70.2%, respectively). Significant sex- and age-specific differences were observed in the distributions of diagnoses. Conclusions There are serious visual consequences associated with soccer-related ocular injury. Despite the existence of eye protection, there remain no regulations requiring its consistent use. Therefore, among all parties involved (e.g., players, families, and physicians), there remains a need to increase education regarding the potential ocular dangers associated with the sport

Soccer, concussions, and safety: Perceptions of parents of youth soccer participants

Introduction: The rate of concussions in youth soccer is among the highest of all youth sports. Parents play an important role in caring for their children and making decisions regarding whether they should participate in a sport, such as soccer, where concussions are well known. This study examined parental perceptions regarding: (a) coaches’ role in concussion management, (b) heading restriction policies, and (c) overall concussion risk and participation issues. Method: Online surveys were completed by 419 parents of youth soccer players who participated in the largest U.S. youth soccer programs nationwide. Results: Findings indicated 44.5% of the respondents had considered keeping their children from playing organized soccer and 47.2% were concerned about a potential decline in youth soccer participation due to concussions. Nearly 69% of responding parents agreed that heading should be banned for participants 10 years old or younger, while 56.5% thought heading should not be limited for participants 13 or older. Only 35% of parents were very confident about their child’s coach’s ability to properly identify concussions and remove those suspected of a concussion from play. Parents’ socioeconomic status (SES), soccer coaching and playing experience, and previous history of concussion(s) were key predictors of greater perceived risk about concussions. Conclusions: Findings from this study shed light on parents’ perceptions about concussions and related safety issues in youth soccer. Understanding what parents believe about concussions is vital to preserve youth soccer participation and can be used to strengthen education and policies that promote a safer environment for youth sport participants. Practical Applications: Youth soccer coaches can benefit from stronger, comprehensive educational efforts at the league/club level. Additionally, parents of youth athletes who are in the lower SES communities should be targeted to receive concussion safety information and/or interventions that would improve their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding concussion safety.

Long-Term Patterns of Bone Mineral Density in an Elite Soccer Player.

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) have been associated with association football (soccer) participation. Seasonal changes in BMD of soccer players have been proposed as well. However, previous investigations were based on short-term observations. Actually, longitudinal investigation of BMD in soccer players is lacking, possibly because of frequent inter-club transfer, changes in club policy or continued availability of the relevant facilities. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)-measured areal BMD (aBMD) was obtained during the competitive season in an elite soccer player along 10 consecutive years. Findings showed that (1) aBMD tends to increase with age, independently of body mass; (2) The right (preferred, kicking) leg has higher aBMD than the left (non-preferred, support) one; (3) Meaningful (i.e., >least significant change, LSC) changes in aBMD take place along the season; and (4) The off-season (transition) period has no effect on aBMD. Findings prompt for future research aimed at clarifying the long-term and seasonal patterns of bone characteristics in soccer in relation with age and type/dose of training. Season-around, long-term scrutiny of bone status in soccer players would help controlling for possible changes/asymmetries in bone mineralization/strength.

Fantasy Football (Soccer) Playing and Internet Addiction Among Online Fantasy Football Participants: A Descriptive Survey Study

The aim of the present study was to ascertain the levels of possible internet addiction within fantasy football (FF) (soccer) participants and the characteristics of the participants within this group. An online survey of questions regarding characteristics of regular FF participants and consumption of FF-related content was posted on FF internet forums (Reddit and Boards.ie). Self-selecting participants (N = 684) completed the survey containing questions on FF (time spent during weekdays/weekend on FF, gambling on FF, devices used to access FF), internet use (time spent on internet on weekdays/weekends) and an internet addiction screening questionnaire (Chen Internet Addiction Scale). Subgroup analysis was performed on each variable by nationality (Irish, UK and worldwide). Of the 684 participants, 17.5% (diagnostic) and 24.9% (screening) participants met criteria for internet addiction, above the expected level in the general population. The most frequent time spent on FF during weekdays was 30–60 min per day (32.2%) and 1–2 h per day on weekends (29.1%). Over half of participants (50.6%) gambled on FF with the majority (61.3%) gambling once per year and 74.3% of participants gambling less than €50 per year on FF. Avid FF participants demonstrated an increased likelihood of internet addiction compared prevalence rates of previous epidemiological studies among different cohorts. This may be due to FF itself and the increased consumption of FF-related content. Further large-scale nationally representative studies are required to compare regular and casual participants of FF in relation to possible internet addiction.

Correlation between Pupilometer and the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening in Division I Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes

The objective of this study was to explore the correlation between pupilometer and Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening on Division 1 female collegiate soccer players. Concussions are one of the most prevalent acquired neurologic conditions occurring in young adults with an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million head injuries.1,2 Concussions are assessed with a variety of measures such as the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screen (VOMS). Visual disruptions are frequently observed following concussion with an estimated 65%-90% of patients complaining of visual disruption.4,5 A pupilometer measures objective pupillary activity such as pupil constriction latency, diameter, speed of constriction and dilation, and reflex recovery time.5 DESIGN/METHODS: This prospective study recruited Division I female soccer athletes aged 18 to 28. Athletes were excluded if they had a lower extremity injury in the past 3 months that caused the athlete to miss more than 1 day of practice, had a history of a head injury in the past 6 months, or were diagnosed with a visual, vestibular, or balance disorder. Twenty-six female Division I collegiate soccer athletes (mean age of 20.46 ± 2.36 years) completed baseline pupilometer and VOMS testing. Three of the twenty-six had borderline pupillary index scores and five had abnormal VOMS scores at baseline. One athlete had a concussion during the 2019 season and at retest, pupilometer results were normal but two VOMS components were abnormal. The pupilometer and VOMS were poorly correlated. While the neurocognitive consequences of participation in soccer is becoming uncertain, the current study suggests that 11% of female soccer athletes without a diagnosis of a concussion had abnormal pupilometer results and 19% had abnormal VOMS scores. Evidence is mounting that repetitive hits to the head can lead to potential neurocognitive impairments. Future studies are warranted to examine baseline measures across age in female soccer athletes.

Female Youth Soccer Participation and Continued Engagement: Associations With Community Size, Community Density, and Relative Age.

Environmental context can impact youth engagement in sport and athlete development. Previous work has examined the population size of the birthplace of elite athletes; commonly known as the birthplace or community size effect. Community density has also been recognized as an important variable. Exact estimates for the ideal community characteristics and a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms has been somewhat elusive. Existing studies are cross-sectional in nature and there is evidence to suggest that significant variation exists within imposed categories. An athlete's birthdate position in a similar-age cohort can also impact development and has been associated with (dis)advantages resulting from subtle age differences (i.e., the relative age effect); it remains unknown if this variable is associated with population density. The objective of this study was to establish longitudinal participation trends among female youth soccer players in Ontario Canada, with consideration of community size, community density, and relative age. Within-category variation and associations between the variables were assessed. Registration entries at age 10 years (n = 9,826) and 16 years (n = 2,305) were isolated for analysis. Odds ratio analyses were conducted within each community size and density category for all 10 year old registrants; 95% confidence intervals were obtained. This procedure was repeated for all registrants at 16 years of age using the expected distribution at age 10 years to examine continued engagement. Findings suggest medium-sized communities (i.e., 10,000–249,999 inhabitants) provide the best odds of participation and continued engagement. Less densely populated communities (i.e., 50–<400 population/km2) appeared to be ideal for facilitating participation at age 10 years, but not for engagement at age 16 years. However, within-category variation was evident when each community was inspected individually. Consistent with previous attempts to find an association between community size and the relative age effect, there did not appear to be an association between community density and birth quartile distribution. Observations from this study show that community size and community density are truly unique and separate variables. Future studies should consider the underlying contributions to both low and high participation and continued engagement, while being mindful of within-category variation.

Epidemiology of soccer-related head injury in children 5-14 years in Victoria, Australia.

Our aim was to use epidemiological data to determine the incidence of soccer-related head injuries in children aged 5-14 years who presented at emergency departments (EDs) or were admitted in hospitals in Victoria, Australia. ED presentation and hospital admission de-identified aggregate data were from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit. Soccer participation data were compared with the soccer-related head injury data to determine the incidence of this injury among these children. The incidence of ED presentations was 0.17% of children participating in soccer during the study period (financial years 2011-2012 to 2015-2016). The 10-14-years age group presented with more head injuries than the 5-9-years age group. For the admissions data, soccer had a significantly lower (P = 0.0379) incidence of head injury when compared with 'sport as a whole'. The low incidence of soccer-related head injuries presenting to an ED or admission to hospital is consistent with international findings.

School-based soccer practice is an effective strategy to improve cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in overweight children

We examined the effects of a 6-month school-based soccer programme on cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic risk factors in overweight children. Methods: 40 boys [8–12 years; body mass index (BMI) >2 standard deviations of WHO reference values] participated in complementary school-based physical education classes (two sessions per week, 45–90 min each). The participants were divided into a soccer group (SG; n = 20) and a control group (CG; n = 20). The SG intervention involved 3 extra-curricular school-based soccer sessions per week, 60–90 min each. The intervention lasted for 6-months. All measurements were taken at baseline and after 6-months. From baseline to 6-months, the SG significantly improved (p < .05) BMI z-score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, percentage of fat mass, percentage of fat-free mass, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but no such improvements were observed for the CG. After the intervention, the prevalence of soccer participants with normal waist-to-height ratio (30 vs. 5%; p = .037), systolic blood pressure (90 vs. 55%; p = .039), total cholesterol (80 vs. 65%; p = .035) and LDL-C (90 vs. 75%; p = .012) were significantly higher than at baseline. The findings suggest that a 6-month school-based soccer intervention program represents an effective strategy to reduce CV and metabolic risk factors in overweight children prepared to take part in a soccer program.

Subjective Well-Being Outcomes Before, During, And After In-Season Competitive Soccer Matches

Subjective well-being is related to injury in soccer athletes, but little is known about how these variables change around a single athletic competition. Continued athletic participation combined with negative well-being may lead to tissue overload and subsequent injury. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the differences in daily well-being measures before, during and after the day of each match. METHODS: Thirty female soccer (age: 19.8 ±,1.1 years, height: 1.6 ± 0.05 m, mass: 64.9 ± 6.6 kg) players provided daily measures of readiness, physical fatigue, mental stress, and soreness intensity over the course of a competitive season. Subjective well-being was taken on standard practice days (P), game days (D0), and on days one (D1) two (D2) following games. One-way within subject analysis of variance was used to compare the subjective well-being variables between each time point. Post-hoc analysis was performed with a Bonferroni adjustments. RESULTS: A significant main effect was present for readiness (F=52.96, P<0.01). Post-hoc testing revealed readiness on D1(68.5 ±12.4) was significantly more negative than readiness on P (77.9 ± 8.0, p<0.01), D0 (83.4, 8.9, p<0.01), and D2 (77.1 ± 8.8, P<0.01). A significant main effect was present for fatigue (F=41.8, p<0.01). Post-hoc testing revealed fatigue on D1 (0.5 ± 1.6) was significantly more negative than fatigue on P (1.7 ± 1.4, P=0.01), D0 (2.3 ± 1.4, p<0.01), and D2 (1.7 ± 1.5, p=0.01). A significant main effect was present for stress (F=3.8, p=0.01) and soreness (F=15.1, p=0.01), but after accounting for multiple comparisons, there was no differences between times. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported readiness to train and physical fatigue are decreased for a full day following competitive soccer competition. Coaches, strength coaches, and athletic trainers may use this information to tailor training programs to promote recovery and limit injury risk, as previous literature indicates that negative outcomes on subjective scales may be indicative of injury. Future research should incorporate training load assessments into this analysis to understand if these changes are correlated to the frequency, intensity, or volume of soccer training and participation.

Sports Participation and Attitudes Toward Race and Ethnicity: A Study of Twelfth-Grade Students in the United States

Drawing on contact, social identity, and self-categorization theories, this study examines the extent to which adolescent sports participation associates with (a) concern about the treatment of minority groups and (b) worry about race relations in the United States. Based on data gathered in the 2016 Monitoring the Future study of twelfth-grade students, the study finds that females, Hispanic study participants, respondents in the West region, and sports participants expressed greater concern about minority treatment. On the second dependent variable, females, Black study participants, and respondents in the West region indicated greater worry about race relations. The study also examined whether attitudes appeared to vary across baseball/softball, basketball, and soccer participation. Baseball/softball participants, who were predominantly White, expressed less concern about minority groups but did not differ from others on attitudes toward race relations. Additionally, while Black adolescents competing in baseball/softball and soccer worried about race relations at relatively high levels, those competing in basketball expressed significantly less concern. Implications and recommendations for future research are provided.

Exploring perceptions about the feasibility of educational video resources as a strategy to support parental involvement in youth soccer

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore parents’ and coaches’ perceptions about educational video resources to support parents’ involvement in youth soccer. DesignUsing an instrumental, qualitative case study design, 21 parents and coaches were recruited to participate in an individual interview. All participants were involved in one of the developmental stages of youth sport participation (sampling, specialising or investment years) in soccer in South Australia. Elicitation tools were used in the individual interviews in the form of educational video resources designed for parents involved in youth soccer to prompt dialogue. All interview data was analysed thematically. ResultsThree main themes were developed from the thematic analysis, including ‘Importance of targeted curriculum’, ‘Integrated delivery model’ and ‘Strategies to maximise impact’ of video-based parent education. Overall, parents and coaches perceive educational video resources as a promising addition to broader strategies aimed at enhancing parental involvement in youth soccer. ConclusionsThe findings highlight parents’ and coaches’ perceptions about the potential utility of educational video resources as a tool to communicate, support and educate parents involved in youth soccer. However, the findings also highlight the need to consider how such an approach can be optimised, tailored, and supported within a broader intervention strategy.

생활축구 동호인들의 성취목표성향, 운동몰입, 인지된 경기력, 심리적 행복감에 관한 경로분석

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to explore the relationship asmong goal orientation, flow, perceived athletic performance, and psychological well-being soccer participants for amateur soccer participants. Method: In order to achieve the purpose of this study, we surveyed amateur soccer participants. (303 effective samples). Proposed hypotheses were analyzed using frequency, reliability, correlation, confirmatory factor, and path analysis through SPSS and AMOS statistics. Results: First, task orientation and ego orientation had a positive effect on flow. Second, task orientation had a positive effect on perceived athletic performance but ego orientation didn’t have a positive effect on perceived athletic performance. Third, task orientation and ego oierntation had a positive effect on psychological well-being. Fourth, flow was partially mediated by the path from task orientation to perceived athletic performance, from task orientation to psychological well-being, and from ego orientation to psychological wellbeing. Fifth, flow was fully mediated by the path from ego orientation to perceived athletic performance. Conclusion: In summary, the findings in this study indicate that goal ornietation and flow play key roles in building perceived athletic performance, and psychological well-being among amateur soccer participants.

유소년 축구대회 서비스스케이프, 참여만족, 행동의도 간의 인과관계 분석

유소년 축구대회 서비스스케이프, 참여만족, 행동의도 간의 인과관계 분석

Scaling left ventricular mass in adolescent female soccer players

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to examine the contribution of chronological age (CA), skeletal maturation, training experience and concurrent body size descriptors, to inter-individual variance in left ventricular mass (LVM) among female adolescent soccer players.MethodsThe sample included 228 female soccer players 11.8–17.1 years. Training experience defined as years of participation in competitive soccer (range 2–9 years), was obtained by interview. Stature, body mass and skinfolds (triceps, medial calf) were measured. Fat mass was estimated; Fat-free mass was derived. LVM was assessed by echocardiography. Skeletal maturity status was as the difference of skeletal age (SA, Fels method) minus CA.ResultsFat-free mass was the most prominent single predictor of LVM (R2 = 36.6%). It was associated with an allometric coefficient close to linearity (k = 0.924, 95%CI: 0.737 to 1.112). A significant multiplicative allometric model including body mass, fat-free mass, CA, training experience and skeletal maturity status was also obtained (R = 0.684; R2 = 46.2%).ConclusionStature has limitations as a valid size descriptor of LVM. Body mass, fat-free mass, training experience, CA, body mass and skeletal maturity status were relevant factors contributing to inter-individual variability in LVM.

Associations between sport participation and knee symptoms: a cross-sectional study involving 3053 undergraduate students

BackgroundWhile a number of studies have investigated knee symptoms among elite athletes, few have directly compared the association between engagement in different sports and knee symptoms among young adults in the general population. The current study aimed to investigate the relation between sports participation hours, type/ number of sports engaged, self-rated competitiveness and knee symptoms among undergraduates.MethodsUndergraduates were invited to participate in a self-administered online survey through invitation emails. Respondents were instructed to provide demographic information (e.g., age, gender, sports participation hours, types of engaged sports, self-rated competitiveness in sports and anxiety level etc.) and to report knee symptoms (current, the last 7 days, the last 12 months, and lifetime). Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between sports participation and current knee symptoms.ResultsOf 17,552 invitees, 3744 responded to the survey. Valid data from 3053 respondents was used for analysis. Forty-four percent of the respondents engaged in sports regularly (≥once per week). Running, cross-training and swimming were the most frequently participated sports among the respondents. The current prevalence rate of knee symptoms was 6.4%. Hours spent participating in combat sports, soccer, yoga, and basketball participation hours were significantly associated with current knee symptoms. Respondents who rated themselves as “competitive” demonstrated a higher risk of having current knee symptoms than “recreational” players. Number of engaged sports was not associated with current knee symptoms among undergraduates.ConclusionsCertain sports types were associated with current knee symptoms. Compared to self-rated “recreational” players, self-rated “competitive” players were more likely to have current knee symptoms. Students should take preventive measures to minimize their risk of developing knee symptoms, especially when participating in combat sports, soccer, yoga, and basketball, or engaging in sports at a highly competitive level.